Bangwe dazzle
Bangwe All Stars yesterday registered their first victory over FCB Nyasa Bullets in a bubbly TNM Super League encounter at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Clever Chikwata’s goal in the 71st minute, the first ever against Bullets, was all the 15th placed side needed to collect three points.
The defending champions, who were returning to league action after a month, looked rusty as they struggled to contain the visitors.
Just like it happened in their last league encounter, Bangwe managed to keep at bay Bullets’ rampaging strikers Babatunde Adepoju and Maxwel Gastin in the first half before taking control of the match in the second-half to score the precious goal.
Their disciplined backline of Temitope Ojeyinka, Asuman Julious, captain Fanizo Mwansambo and Ackim Osman was a marvel to watch.
Bangwe also had their goalkeeper Elias Misi to thank with his impressive performance that frustrated Bullets.
The visitors also surged forward through their attackers Innocent Msowoya, James Msowoya and Chikwata when such opportunities arose
One such moment forced Bullets goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba to cut down menacing Beston Jimu in the 34th minute, resulting in a yellow card.
The Bullets back four of Nickson Nyasulu, Clyde Senaji, Gomezgani Chirwa and Precious Sambani was made to work overtime whenever Bangwe counterattacked.
At half time, Bullets introduced Chikumbutso Salima who replaced Stanley Billiat.
Salima saw his set piece easily tamed by Bangwe keeper Elias Misi.
Bullets also saw their penalty calls following fouls on Salima and Phodo ignored by referee Keston Mnenula.
Bangwe’s James Tambwali also blasted a clear chance with just Chimbamba to beat.
However, the visitors’ resilience paid dividends when Chikwata, in a counterattack, got the better of Senaji before slotting a low shot past Chimbamba who had left his line to narrow the angle.
Bangwe now have 15 points but remain on position 15 while Bullets are 10th with 24 points.
In a post-match interview, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa admitted that the league title was as good as gone.
He said: “It’s a cause for concern. The way we are dropping points it’s too much. I have been talking about that these teams who are at the bottom of the table when they meet Bullets they up their game.”
For newly-appointed Bangwe coach Trevor Kajawa the victory in his first league assignment was a big statement in his quest to beat relegation.
“This is the beginning of good things,” he said
